Catskill’s Ice Climbing Instruction and Winter Mountaineering

Intro to Ice Climbing

Never ice climbed before? Not a problem in this course! We will get you out on the ice and have you swinging the tools like a pro in no time. Whether you’re in Stoney Clove, Deep Notch, Moore’s Bridge or the Asbestos Wall, you’ll be blown away by the breathtaking scenery. This course covers basic movement on ice, how to swing ice climbing tools properly, efficient techniques for travel over snow and ice with crampons, and the belay commands for correctly ascending and descending ice climbs. This course is a great way to discover the magic and appeal of ice climbing.

Intermediate Course

This course is designed for climbers with some prior rock or ice climbing experience. You will have the opportunity to explore some of the best Catskill multi-pitch ravine climbs (Buttermilk, Wildcat, Hillyer, Viola, etc).  If conditions allow, you might even get to climb the Catskills’ jewel, Kaaterskill Falls or the five pitch Platte Clove waterfalls, with the Japanese, Bridal Veil, and Plattekill Falls.  If challenging, steep ice is what you’re after, let us show you the Devil’s Kitchen or the Black Chasm.

Advanced/Learn To Lead

If you’ve been on the ice for a while, top roping and following, we’re happy to introduce you to the art of leading on ice. We’ll start your day by working through each piece of equipment, as well as it’s functions and limitations. Next we’ll teach you how to place ice screws properly and build solid two point and three point anchors. You will also learn how to belay in a multi-pitch setting off the anchor with a Gri-Gri, Guide ATC or Reverso 3.  Finally, you’ll hone your skills on the sharp end with mock leads; that is, you’ll be protected by a top rope while you lead. You and your instructor will then simultaneously rappel your route and critique each screw placement. This comprehensive approach to ice climbing can be taught in a block of simultaneous days, or stretched out over several days throughout the season.

Mountain Skills Climbing Guides is proud to offer ice climbing in New York’s Adirondack Mountains, Smuggler’s Notch in Vermont, and the White Mountains in New Hampshire. If these routes are more convenient or more exciting for you, we would be more than happy to take you there!